Providing Compassionate End-of-Life Care: Careers at the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, holistic care to the men and women who have served in our nation's military. At the Veterans Healthcare Systems of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we are looking for dedicated Registered Nurses to join our Inpatient Palliative Care team. If you are a compassionate professional looking to make a meaningful difference, this is your opportunity to join a mission-driven organization.
Job Responsibilities
As an Inpatient Staff RN in Palliative Care, your primary duty is the coordination and delivery of expert nursing care. You will:
- Manage complex patient cases with a focus on symptom management and comfort.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive care delivery.
- Provide patient and family education regarding end-of-life care options.
- Oversee the work of nursing assistants and licensed vocational nurses.
- Engage in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a degree from an accredited nursing program (ADN, Diploma, BSN, or higher).
- Possess a current, active, and unrestricted nursing license in the U.S.
- Demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Pass a federal background investigation and drug screening.
Grade Comparison Table
| Position Level | Education Requirement | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse I, Level I | ADN / Diploma | None |
| Nurse I, Level II | BSN OR ADN + 1 yr | 1 year (for ADN) |
| Nurse I, Level III | BSN + 1 yr OR ADN + 2 yr | Varies by education |
| Nurse II | BSN + 2 yr OR MSN + 1 yr | Varies by education |
| Nurse III | MSN + 2 yr | Specialized leadership |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $72,703 to $148,932 per year, depending on education, experience, and the specific grade level assigned based on your nursing background.
Benefits
- Generous Leave: Up to 50 days of combined annual, sick, and federal leave.
- Retirement: Access to federal pension and 401k plans.
- Insurance: Federal options for health, vision, dental, and life coverage.
- Stability: A reliable career path with a national agency.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume includes all required metrics, such as hours worked per week and license details. Use the VA-provided resume template to ensure compliance and highlight your patient-driven care experience.
Serving our Veterans is a profound honor. If you are ready to apply your clinical skills to improve the quality of life for our patients, apply to the Veterans Healthcare Systems of the Ozarks today.
Why This Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff Palliative Care Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the compassionate Palliative Care team at the Veterans Healthcare Systems of the Ozarks.
Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff Palliative Care Job Overview
The Veterans Healthcare Systems of the Ozarks is currently seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for our Inpatient Palliative Care unit in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In this role, you will provide holistic, evidence-based nursing care, serving as a primary advocate for Veterans who require specialized end-of-life or symptom-management support. You will collaborate with a diverse interdisciplinary team to coordinate patient education, oversee nursing assistants, and ensure that our Veterans receive the high-quality, dignified care they deserve in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Requirements for Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff Palliative Care
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are not available).
- Current, full, active, and unrestricted license as a registered professional nurse in any U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Graduate of an ACEN or CCNE accredited school of nursing.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination.
- Willingness to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to pass a background security investigation and drug screening.
Preferred Qualifications for Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff Palliative Care
- Prior clinical experience in Palliative Care or Hospice settings.
- Previous Medical-Surgical nursing experience.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities in a fast-paced inpatient environment.
- Proficiency in clinical decision-making and collaborative patient care coordination.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular pay increases.
- ✓50 days of paid time off per year (26 days annual, 13 days sick, 11 Federal holidays).
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan.
- ✓Federal 401K with up to 5% matching contributions.
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
- ✓Professional development and mentoring opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff Palliative Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Registered Nurse-Inpatient Staff Palliative Care Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA careers link.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire to confirm eligibility.
- Upload your required documents, including your resume and licensure information.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions about your experience.
- Ensure your resume includes your job title, dates of employment, and average hours worked per week.
- Use the provided standard Clinical Resume template to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
- Clearly highlight your palliative, hospice, or med-surg experience in your descriptions.
- Check the status of your application regularly through your online dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I have a foreign nursing degree?
Yes, provided you hold a current, full, active, and unrestricted license in a U.S. State or territory and have obtained a formal degree equivalency validation from an accepted organization.
Is relocation assistance offered for this position?
No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What is the work schedule for this role?
The role involves rotating shifts, including days (7:30am–8:00pm) or nights (7:30pm–8:00am), with rotating weekends and holidays.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position requiring clinical presence.
Do I need prior Palliative experience?
While preferred, it is not strictly required. We welcome nurses with strong medical-surgical backgrounds.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Healthcare Systems of the Ozarks serves those who have defended our country, offering everything from primary care to specialized end-of-life services. Our facility is situated in the vibrant community of Fayetteville, known for its rich outdoor lifestyle, University of Arkansas spirit, and a high quality of life. Working for the VA means more than just a job; it means joining a team dedicated to excellence and service.